Choosing the Right Path: Private Training vs. Personal Trainer Apprenticeship

Obtaining a personal trainer certification may be done in two ways. You have the option of enrolling in a private course from a reputable training provider or completing an apprenticeship. Depending on your situation and what best suits your lifestyle, each choice has advantages and disadvantages. Here, we'll examine both strategies.

In the fitness industry, personal training has grown to be one of the most sought-after services in recent years. According to IBISWorld, there are 21,544 registered personal training firms in the UK. The industry is valued at £536 million and is predicted to grow.

The market requires fresh, driven experts to fill the void left by the ongoing need for personal trainers. It is wise to examine the many methods for being certified if this is a job you are interested in.

What is an Apprenticeship in Personal Training?

An apprenticeship for a personal trainer blends classroom instruction with real-world job experience. It offers the chance to get paid at work while learning a new skill for free. You will receive an NVQ qualification after completing an apprenticeship.

PROS

Advantages of your work

With an apprenticeship, you work and learn on the job while receiving a wage or hourly rate.

No costs

You only commit your time to learning as much as you can; there are no costs associated with the program.

Experience

By watching and taking part in training sessions, you obtain first-hand experience. Additionally, you get important knowledge about the best practices used by experts.

Accredited qualification

You will receive a recognised credential upon successfully completing your apprenticeship as a personal trainer. You may start practicing right away and start taking on customers of your own.

CONS

Low income

During your apprenticeship, you are entitled to a salary or hourly rate; however, this is typically a low compensation that some people may find difficult to make ends meet. In the UK, an apprentice's hourly wage is £4.30 at the time this article was written. For the most recent criteria regarding salary and conditions, see the gov.uk website.

Extended Duration

An apprenticeship takes 12 to 15 months to finish. If you want to launch your new profession as soon as possible, this is not the best option. Additionally, this will postpone your potential to begin receiving a greater salary.

Low Completion Rate

The duration of the apprenticeship, poor pay, and occasionally taxing work placements all contribute to the low completion rate. To succeed in an apprenticeship, you need to have a strong will and steely focus.

Workplace Restrictions

Despite gaining a great deal of first-hand knowledge, legal barriers frequently prevent apprentices from performing some components of their jobs. In certain situations, the law requires apprentices to hold a certain qualification in order to carry out specific tasks.

A private course: what is it?

Private training organisations provide classes, typically at a cost, in exchange for a certain certification. A respectable training organisation would adhere to stringent regulations and be approved by an awarding authority. Private training organisations usually don't require job placements and provide courses through online or classroom instruction. As a result, these classes may be finished more quickly.

PROS

Benefits of Short Duration

It typically takes two to four months to finish a personal trainer qualification offered by a private training provider. as opposed to an apprenticeship, which typically lasts 12 to 15 months.

Adaptable Study

Online personal trainer courses are among the flexible learning alternatives offered by the majority of private course providers. With these adaptable courses, you can finish your training whenever it's convenient for you. For those who cannot quit their full-time jobs or who have other obligations to attend to while they are in school, flexibility is perfect.

Increased earning capacity

As we've shown, a private course may be finished in two months as opposed to an apprenticeship's twelve to fifteen months. As a result, you may begin working as a personal trainer more quickly, gain customers more quickly, and be paid in full.

Options for funding

While apprenticeships are free, some private training institutions give financing alternatives to assist with tuition expenses. You may train with some of these funding methods and not have to repay anything until you meet specific earning requirements.

CONS

Cost

Although students are responsible for paying for private courses, certain recognised institutions provide financial alternatives that might help with these expenses.

No job placement

Unlike an apprenticeship, a private course will not include a work placement. Nonetheless, some private course providers provide job experience options. In order to boost your confidence, UK Sports Training may offer work experience through our recruiting partners. Additionally, during the course, we provide hands-on workshops that give students first-hand exposure in a gym setting.

No money

You are not compensated when enrolled in a private personal trainer course because it is not built around a work placement. However, instead of receiving the minimal income via an apprenticeship, you have the chance to earn a personal trainer salary more quickly because you may finish your course in two months. Additionally, private classes provide flexible scheduling, allowing you to pursue your new vocation while holding down another employment.

Examining the Available Choices

You may find some compelling reasons for both alternatives when weighing the benefits and drawbacks of private courses and personal trainer apprenticeships. Your situation and the goals you have for your educational journey will determine the path you choose.